John Zajdler (@Dieharder), John Stutsman (@JohnStutsman), Mike Howard (@jpeg2raw) from and Christian Johnson joins Jim () for show #197 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network, part of community. Happy New Year from the AverageGuy Network and we podcast on the very first day of 2015! With lots of great things ahead, there was lots to #160; See the show notes below or at the link at the bottom of this post. Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: or if you are in Canada, use WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Full show notes and video at Listen Mobile: Read and Subscribe to TAG Newletter – Skype Translator – Printable Solar Panels – Samsung Foldable Screens – Star Wars Episode 7 – The Internet of Things – Fitbit Surge – New juicer – ;camp=213733&creative=393185&creativeASIN=B008P8LAVW&linkCode=shr&tag=avestufrothea-20&linkId=R6LI43AFBWLQLSLK&psc=1 Excel PowerBI – Power Query – Power Pivot – HP Stream 7 32GB Windows Tablet ;camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B00NSHLVD2&linkCode=shr&tag=avestufrothea-20&linkId=VBSCV5XAZQMDBXOS&qid=1420248138&sr=8-1&keywords=hp+stream+7 Toshiba Encore Mini WT7-C16MS Signature Edition ;camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B00NJQADMW&linkCode=shr&tag=avestufrothea-20&linkId=DOTMJEPW5CVPPXVQ&qid=1420248244&sr=8-4&keywords=toshiba+tablet+7 Mouse without Borders – Microsoft Windows MultiPoint Server – Christian’s new hosting platform – Windows 10 – Catch all the subscription links at Facebook Group: Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Contact the show at Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at

Windows Home Server MVP John Zajdler(@Dieharder), John Stutsman (@JohnStutsman) and Kevin Schoonover (@schoondoggy1979) joins Jim (@jcollison) and for show #156 of Home Tech Podcast brought to you by the Average Guy Network, part of community. Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Listen Mobile: HP Gen 8 Microserver HP ProLiant 712318-001 Ultra Micro Tower Server – 1 x Intel Pentium G2020T GHz by HP John’s Processor Upgrade – Intel Xeon E3-1265LV2 GHz Processor – Socket H2 LGA-1155 by Intel Lots of Gen 8 Discussions at HP Smart Array P222/512 FBWC 6Gb 1-Port Internal/1-Port External SAS Controller 631667-B21 by HP Getting rid of Hard Drives Seagate Seatools – Acronis True Image 2014 (DVD) by Acronis Kill Disk DBan Audio Quality with Skype Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, 1080p Widescreen Video Calling and Recording by Logitech Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone by Blue Microphones Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone by Audio Technica Cyber Frontiers The Rest Smart things – Finally, one simple solution to unify all your brand name “smart home” and lifestyle devices. It’s a single automated experience worth getting giddy over! SmartThings Home Kit by SmartThings Revolv – Finally, one simple solution to unify all your brand name “smart home” and lifestyle devices. It’s a single automated experience worth getting giddy over! Revolv Smart Home Automation Solution by Revolv Facebook Page: Facebook Group: If you’d like to subscribe to the show, click on to update your iTunes library, or for other Podcast downloading applications, please click on the RSS Feed and pick your Pod Catcher of choice! Or, you can now stream the show online at at The Show Announcements and Schedule: #!/TheAverageGuyTV Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Andrew’s Twitter: #!/unrealshots Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find us on Facebook: Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Some links may contain affiliate codes that benefit the Average Guy Podcast Network.

Jim (@jcollison), Andrew (@unrealshots) and Christian (@theWizBM) are joined this week by Bill Paulmenn (@BillPaulmenn) and Renny Phipps (@rennyphipps) for show 102! New Show Twitter Hash Tag for the show each week. Use “#HT102” when referencing the show. Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E Listen Mobile: The guys start off the show hearing about Renny’s recent trip to the USA, before moving on to Renny telling us about the “God Mode” within Windows 7, which is a Windows 7 Easter Egg that allows you to create a folder containing all of the Control Panel shortcuts in one folder. Renny also talks about this 2013 goal of tidying up his Home Technology, assessing the hardware and applications he has, and performing a bit of a Spring Clean. The guys talk a about recycling options for disposing of old computer hardware, with options like Best Buy in the USA, Officeworks in Australia, local council clearances, or archiving old hardware in the home. For those of us who use multiple cloud storage providers, the guys talk about the ideal service to enable synchronization of data between providers without having to download and upload the data. For the die hard tech buff’s, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has just finished in Las Vegas – the show was comprehensively covered by Jim and Dave McCabe from the Home Server Show, and the guys talk about the highlights for them, from the various vendors who were at the show. Christian talks about the recent changes to Skype, which now allow full contact integration into Outlook – yet another step in Skype becoming the replacement for Windows Live Messenger, which is being retired by Microsoft. Christian also discusses the current top selling laptop from Amazon – the Google Chromebook. Andrew talks about introducing a new TP-Link WR1043ND router into his home network, to enable a single wireless SSID to be accessible throughout the home, as his cable modem does not have sufficient range to be able to cover the whole house. An affordable performance and coverage improvement. Jim and Bill talk about wireless security cameras available from vendors such as DLink, as well as talking about WiFi available from vendors such as AT&T and Comcast “in the wild”. Jim tells us about a Twitter stats site, TWTRLAND, a website into which you enter your Twitter name, and it will provide you with statistics as to how you use Twitter, including who you interact with, and things on Twitter that might interest you. To close out, Jim talks about a “crowd storage” solution, Symform, which gives you cloud storage by contributing storage to the “crowd storage” pool. The Average Guy Facebook Page The Average Guy Facebook Group If you’d like to subscribe to the show, click on to update your iTunes library, or for other Podcast downloading applications, please click on the RSS Feed and pick your Pod Catcher of choice! Or, you can now stream the show online at at The Show Announcements and Schedule: #!/TheAverageGuyTV Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Andrew’s Twitter: #!/unrealshots Contact Christian: / Bios Mods Site: Contact the show at Find us on Facebook: Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Some links may contain affiliate codes that benefit the Average Guy Podcast Network.

CHRISTIAN IS BACK! Jim, Christian and Andrew are joined for this podcast with guest Jay Moore. We have made some changes to the LIVE page! Catch us live, Thursday nights at 8pmC/9E at We are now streaming to both LiveStream and YouTube at the same time so you can choose. Let us know if it is working for you. MozyPro–secure online backup for businesses Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at Listen Mobile: If you are new to podcasts and are looking for a way to easily listen each week, you might want to consider using Stitcher. Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, it a great way to listen to podcasts both at home and on the road. Of course, this show and all the past shows are on Stiticher. – Search Home Tech. It’s educations for your ears! Facebook Page: Facebook Group: If you’d like to subscribe to the show, click on to update your iTunes library, or for other Podcast downloading applications, please click on the RSS Feed and pick your Pod Catcher of choice! Or, you can now stream the show online at at The Show Announcements and Schedule: #!/TheAverageGuyTV Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Andrew’s Twitter: #!/unrealshots Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find us on Facebook: Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Some links may contain affiliate codes that benefit the Average Guy Podcast Network.

With a freshly minted Nokia Lumia 800 on loan and in hand from Nokia and a couple of the best Windows Phone guys in the Home Server Show community, we thought we might take a run at a couple Windows Phone 7 podcasts. Jim was joined by Chris Lux, Greg Welch, (almost Tim Black) and Mike Howard from jpeg2RAW. We recorded this podcast Sunday afternoon, May 20, 2012 Listen LIVE every Thursday night at @ 6pP/8pC/9pE Listen Mobile: Nokia provided the phone for this review. Spec can be found here: If you’d like to subscribe to the show, click on to update your iTunes library, or for other Podcast downloading applications, please click on the RSS Feed and pick your Pod Catcher of choice! Or, you can now stream the show online at at Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison The Show Announcements and Schedule: #!/TheAverageGuyTV Andrew’s Twitter: #!/unrealshots Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find us on Facebook: Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at

Jim was joined this week by John Zajdler (@Dieharder), Christian and Andrew. We started with a discussion with some chat about the podcasting aggregator Stitcher, found at We also spent some time talking about Skype. We talked about a bit of history, how we all use Skype and even answered a few questions. Christian even shared how he and his friends use Skype to do homework together. Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at Listen Mobile: Andrew joined us a bit later to discuss how much work Microsoft created for him with a patch that had been released recently. We did a clarification on a site we had talked about last week. sells music for 5 cents a track in most cases. We had a listener who did think it was a legal site. You can follow our thread over at #!/groups/theaverageguy/ Some addition chat around Windows 8. Christian mentioned a retina display: John mentioned a link: Deal of the Week: Really cool way to go wireless on antiquated systems: Some hard drive discussion based on this article: We watched this video based on this youtube video: At the end of the show we talked about Jim’s new broadcast server. It is currently out of stock here in the US. $299 was the deal. If you’d like to subscribe to the show, click on to update your iTunes library, or for other Podcast downloading applications, please click on the RSS Feed and pick your Pod Catcher of choice! You can also join us at at Facebook Page: Facebook Group: If you’d like to subscribe to the show, click on to update your iTunes library, or for other Podcast downloading applications, please click on the RSS Feed and pick your Pod Catcher of choice! Or, you can now stream the show online at at The Show Announcements and Schedule: #!/TheAverageGuyTV Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Andrew’s Twitter: #!/unrealshots Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find us on Facebook: Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Some links may contain affiliate codes that benefit the Average Guy Podcast Network.

This week Jim and Andrew bring you the latest installment of the Home Tech Podcast. Jim talks about this recent upgrade to a 120GB Mushkin SSD drive in his primary PC, and the performance increases he has seen as a result of the upgrade, as well as how he moved non-critical services from the SSD to a traditional rotating drive. Check out Jim’s post on the experience, and the benchmark comparison between the old rotating drive and the new SSD. The guys talk about SSD’s in general, and the performance benefits of the upgrade, as well as a similar upgrade he is performing this weekend on an older machine that is used at the family church for their media production. Listen LIVE every Thursday night at @ 6pP/8C/9E/1aUTC Listen Mobile: The guys move on to talk abut the benefits of using the Google Plus Hangouts feature for recording the podcast, rather than using Skype, with Hangouts offering features such as group chat, and group screen sharing within the standard product – a priced upgrade with Skype. Although not yet for the masses, the guys predict that Hangouts is a feature to watched closely! The guys move on to talk about the recent Internet blackout, with PIPA and SOPA being the most commonly spoken acronyms relating to this, being the Protect IP Act and Stop Online Piracy Act, both with the intent of protecting Intellectual Property and Piracy online. The guys talk extensively about their views on both Acts in general, and their take on both, as well as the power of people as opposed to the power of individuals. The guys talk briefly about the headsets they use for recording the podcast. Andrew switches between a Logitech ClearChat headset and a Plantronics B230-M Voyager Pro UC headset, whereas Jim uses Yurbuds for earpieces, and a Yeti Blue Microphone. The guys talk about the resignation of Jerry Yang from Yahoo! and what they think this may mean to the search engine industry, and the future of search on Internet. The guys don’t believe this will have a huge impact on the search engine business, and as regular listener Renny says in the Livestream chat, “Yahoo is the Kodak of Internet search” The guys go on to talk about the earnings announcements from Microsoft ($20 million USD for the most recent quarter), and compare the product strategies we see coming from Microsoft and Apple, and how this may impact on the revenue of both companies. The guys close out with a wrap of the show, and some talk about the legislations being introduced into both the US and Australian societies, and speculate if PIPA and SOPA have the potential to be the “New Prohibition”, and if both Acts will have the same level of success. Thanks for listening to the podcast, and if you have time, please join us in the live chat while we record the show!! Facebook Page: Facebook Group: If you’d like to subscribe to the show, click on to update your iTunes library, or for other Podcast downloading applications, please click on the RSS Feed and pick your Pod Catcher of choice! Or, you can now stream the show online at at The Show Announcements and Schedule: Jim’s Twitter: Andrew’s Twitter: Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find us on Facebook: Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Some links may contain affiliate codes that benefit the Average Guy Podcast Network.

Podcast Reviews

Really enjoy the podcast. Each week’s episode provides a wide variety of topics and tech gadgets out there. The guests are always knowledge and add tremendous depth to the podcast. Keep it up, guys.

OK - I'm a Tech Geek

July 22, 2017 by stevesleep from United States

I admit it. I love tech. I can't get involved in everything so it's great listening to Home Gadget Geeks. Keeps me updated on everything from blockchains to BBQ. Good job Jim and Mike!

Great show, Outstanding Host

December 2, 2016 by Ross Brand from United States

I am not only a fan of Jim Collison's podcasts, but I had the priviledge to be a guest on Home Gadget Geeks. Jim is a terrific interviewer and facilitiates informative and entertaining conversations. For anyone who wants to improve at podcasting, Jim is an excellent resource to follow and learn from. I highly recommend subscribing to Home Gadget Geeks and checking out the rest of Jim's content at theaverageguy.tv website.

I’m not one of those subscribe-to-every-tech podcast out there kinda guys. I’m technically inclined, but bored easily with those high brow “I”m the smartest guy in the room and want everybody to know it.” Jim is a terrific host and conversationalist. I can easily listen to Jim and his guests knowing I may be the dumbest guy in the room, but they always make me feel smarter for listening.

Informative and entertaining

October 6, 2014 by mavace from United States

There is a reason I look forward to this show each week and that is because it is the perfect mix of information and entertainment. Jim and his guests are great to listen to and I come away having learned something every week.

VPNs for secure WiFi, ethical hacking, and more, great stuff!

June 23, 2014 by tinkererguy from United States

I always enjoy listening to Christian, and the various guests Jim just keeps managing to find. You'll want to pay attention to this podcast, it requires it, in a good way!

Great show

August 4, 2013 by vitony from United States

One of the best shows for the home pc enthusiast. I've been listening to it each week for over two years and I'd highly recommend it. Jim and team are very professional and the show is very informative.

What would we do without you?

August 15, 2012 by Hyper-VG from Canada

This is one podcast you dont want to miss. They may talk alot of tech but they make it so anyone can understand it. Dont get lost in the tech jungle list to what they say and do your research. Subscribe and be treated to a ton of knowlage.

Great tech show

August 14, 2012 by erik_the_tall from United States

Jim is a nut! A tech nut! Great show for folks looking to scratch their tech itch.

Awesome show!

August 12, 2012 by misslissa808 from United States

so sorry, seems i left a review under my husband's name of pytheas2.0! LOL! well, now he is subscribed :) but thanks for hosting a great show with a variety of information! I'm a photographer and no where near knowing about techy stuff, so maybe i'll learn a thing or two and impress my husband ;)

Thanks for this great podcast !

July 31, 2012 by Ryan Heatherly from Australia

Just wanted to let you guys know that this is a good podcast to subsribe to, to get the latest news on the tech scene :)
Networking, Phones, Servers. All you need. And they do host giveaways of exciting products every now and then :)

Excellent Podcast!!

July 31, 2012 by Rocky53382456 from United States

Easily a winner when it comes to knowing their stuff!! These guys always seem to know what I am thinking, and just put the info out there! Keep up the great work, Hands down, the friendliest bunch around!

Take it from me

July 30, 2012 by RichinFL from United States

If you have a connected home, you owe it to yourself to listen to this podcast. The tips, tricks and news save me tons of time from browsing a ton of websites constantly.

Great!

July 25, 2012 by Kaylley Williams from United States

Pretty Tech savvy. Thanks!

Great Info

July 25, 2012 by Katja Wright Photography from United States

Very informative and also entertaining - keep up the good work!

Great info

July 25, 2012 by NickAMoore from United States

Excellent show with information you can use.

Great resource!

July 25, 2012 by vegasstace from United States

Informative and entertaining!

Becoming My Favorite Podcast

July 24, 2012 by awraynor from United States

I first hear Jim over at the HomeServer Show podcast. I quickly became interested in a home server after my
desktop literally crashed (was knocked over) by my 13 year old. My wife then game me carte blanche to recover
my wedding/honeymoon photos and then guarantee they were never at risk again.
When he went out on his own at theaverageguy I made sure to listen every week. His cohosts are great, with
Christian making me feel like such an underachiever. When you realize how young he is you will feel the same
way too. I also like how the internet/podcasts have helped tech geeks from all over the world come together
and discuss their common interests.
Subscribe, you won't be disappointed.

Great Tech Show

July 23, 2012 by G.WadeTech from United States

I am one of the rotational guest on the show. I enjoy my turn in talking about tech with the regulars and enjoy listening to the show weekly. I like that The Home Tech Podcast brings together a good group of people and is such a nice community to learn from. Thanks for the oppurtunities and the podcasts... keep them going.

Good stuff

July 23, 2012 by Busy busy 123 from United States

Great show; thanks for sharing your knowledge in an easy to understand way!

Great Podcast

July 23, 2012 by Samantha Beauchamp from United States

Found out about you from the Jpeg2Raw podcast awhile back! Great stuff here!

Great show for the home tech nerd :-)

July 23, 2012 by juanissimo from United States

Great show for the home tech nerd. :-)

Excellent Show

April 15, 2012 by Joe_Miner from United States

Excellent tech show for the average guy that provides the information we need.

Home Tech delivered with fun.

December 12, 2011 by ukhomeservershowgeek from United Kingdom

Great team of tech heads spun out from the homeservershow. Great listening for all home tech including home storage and pc based homes. One of my top 5 podcasts. I am in UK but all good from US and AUS perspective.

The Home Tech Podcast

October 25, 2011 by random.rich from United States

This is a great show! with an interesting mix of guests and topics. Jim pulls from his circle of tech friends to round out his weekly podcast discussions.